Beach bus service returns June 19

The beach bus is back. On Monday the La Cañada City Council agreed to spend nearly $13,000 next year to bring the popular beach shuttle back this summer. The service, offered by Los Angeles County Public Works Department, offers locals the chance to ride from Memorial Park to Santa Monica Pier for $3 each, $1.50 for seniors.

The city agreed to a one-year deal with two additional one-year options. In 2011 La Cañada saw its highest use of the beach bus in the service’s 12-year history, with 1,816 rides originating in La Cañada, about 36% of the total. The rest of the riders come from Montrose and La Crescenta.

To alleviate concerns about overcrowding and to make the service available fairly to customers in all three areas, the county will use an online reservation system this year. Residents can make reservations from one week to one day before they plan to hit the beach. The service will start June 19 and continue through Labor Day.